also: しろと · しらびと
noun
Refers to someone who is not a professional or expert in a particular field. Often contrasted with 玄人 (くろうと, expert/professional). Can carry a nuance of inexperience or lack of skill, but is not inherently derogatory.
Antonyms: 玄人
彼は素人ながら、プロ顔負けの腕前だ。
Though he is an amateur, his skill rivals that of a professional.
Operating this machine is difficult for a layperson.
noun
respectable woman; woman not in the sex trade
Used historically to distinguish a woman who is not a prostitute, hostess, or geisha. Now somewhat dated, but still understood in contexts discussing the sex industry or traditional entertainment districts.
See also: 玄人
昔、花街では素人の女性はあまり見かけなかった。
In the old days, respectable women were rarely seen in the red-light district.
noun
Archaic Kyoto dialect term for a prostitute operating without a license. Extremely rare in modern usage; primarily of historical interest.
See also: 私娼
江戸時代、京都では素人と呼ばれる私娼がいた。
In the Edo period, there were unlicensed prostitutes called しろうと in Kyoto.